Patentable/Patents/US-11533681
US-11533681

Method for accessing access point by station device, device, and system

PublishedDecember 20, 2022
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Inventorsnot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

A method for accessing an access point by a station device, a device, and a system. A station device selects a master access point from multiple access points according to channel quality and accesses the master access point, and sends information about remaining access points to the master access point, so that the master access point selects a slave access point according to the information about the remaining access points.

Patent Claims
8 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The station according to claim 1, wherein the access information further comprises at least one of basic service set identifiers or load information.

Plain English Translation

A wireless communication station is disclosed that facilitates efficient network access by providing access information to client devices. The station includes a transceiver for wireless communication and a processor configured to generate and transmit access information to nearby client devices. This access information helps client devices select an optimal network for connection, improving performance and reducing latency. The access information includes identifiers for available networks, such as basic service set identifiers (BSSIDs), which uniquely identify access points. Additionally, the access information may include load information, such as the number of connected devices or bandwidth utilization, allowing client devices to choose less congested networks. By providing this data proactively, the station enables smarter decision-making by client devices, enhancing overall network efficiency. The system is particularly useful in environments with multiple overlapping networks, such as enterprise or public Wi-Fi deployments, where dynamic load balancing is critical. The station may operate in various wireless standards, including Wi-Fi, and can be integrated into existing infrastructure to improve network management. The disclosed technology addresses the problem of inefficient network selection by client devices, which often leads to suboptimal performance due to lack of awareness about network conditions. By sharing relevant access information, the station enables more intelligent roaming and connection decisions, reducing congestion and improving user experience.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The station according to claim 4, wherein a prolonged scanning period is an integer multiple of the scanning period, and is not greater than a preset maximum scanning interval.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a wireless communication station, such as a base station or access point, designed to optimize scanning for neighboring wireless networks. The problem addressed is inefficient or unreliable detection of neighboring networks due to fixed or improperly configured scanning intervals, which can lead to missed connections, poor handover performance, or excessive power consumption. The station includes a scanning module that periodically scans for neighboring networks using a defined scanning period. To improve detection reliability, the station implements a prolonged scanning period, which is an integer multiple of the base scanning period but does not exceed a preset maximum scanning interval. This ensures that scanning remains frequent enough to detect dynamic network changes while avoiding excessive power or resource usage. The prolonged scanning period can be adjusted dynamically based on network conditions, such as signal strength, traffic load, or mobility patterns, to balance detection accuracy and efficiency. The station may also prioritize scanning for specific networks or channels based on predefined criteria, such as signal quality or user preferences, to further optimize performance. This approach enhances network discovery and handover processes in wireless communication systems.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The station according to claim 1, wherein the channel quality information comprises at least one a received signal to noise indicator (RSNI), a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), a beacon received signal strength indicator (Beacon RSSI), a beacon signal to noise ratio (Beacon SNR), a data frame received signal strength indicator (Data Frame RSSI), or a data frame signal to noise ratio (Data Frame SNR).

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to a station that evaluates channel quality for improved network performance. The station measures and utilizes various channel quality indicators to assess signal conditions between itself and other devices. These indicators include received signal to noise indicator (RSNI), received signal strength indicator (RSSI), beacon RSSI, beacon signal to noise ratio (SNR), data frame RSSI, and data frame SNR. By analyzing these metrics, the station can determine the reliability and strength of wireless signals, enabling better decision-making for data transmission, network selection, and interference management. The station may use these measurements to optimize connectivity, reduce packet loss, and enhance overall communication efficiency in environments with varying signal conditions. The invention addresses challenges in maintaining stable and high-quality wireless links by providing detailed signal quality assessments that support adaptive transmission strategies and dynamic network adjustments.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The station according to claim 1, wherein ts=j×tb, wherein j is a positive integer, and tb is a beacon period.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to a station that synchronizes with a network using beacon signals. The problem addressed is ensuring reliable and efficient synchronization between a station and a network, particularly in environments where timing accuracy is critical. The station includes a synchronization mechanism that adjusts its timing based on a beacon period (tb), which is the interval at which the network transmits synchronization beacons. The station's synchronization timing slot (ts) is set as a multiple of the beacon period, where the multiple (j) is a positive integer. This ensures that the station's synchronization operations align precisely with the network's beacon transmissions, reducing synchronization errors and improving communication efficiency. The station may also include a receiver to detect the beacon signals and a controller to calculate the synchronization timing slot based on the beacon period. The controller ensures that the station's operations, such as data transmission or reception, are synchronized with the network's timing. This approach minimizes latency and enhances reliability in wireless communication networks, particularly in applications requiring precise timing, such as industrial automation or IoT devices. The use of a fixed integer multiple of the beacon period simplifies synchronization logic and reduces computational overhead.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The program according to claim 8, wherein the access information further comprises at least one of basic service set identifiers or load information.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for managing network access in wireless communication environments, particularly in scenarios where multiple access points are available. The invention addresses the challenge of efficiently selecting an optimal access point for a device to connect to, ensuring reliable and high-performance network access. The solution involves a program that processes access information to determine the best access point based on various criteria. The access information includes identifiers for basic service sets (BSSIDs) and load information, which indicate the current usage and capacity of each access point. By analyzing these parameters, the program can make informed decisions about which access point a device should connect to, improving network performance and user experience. The system dynamically adjusts access point selection based on real-time data, ensuring that devices connect to the least congested or most suitable access point available. This approach enhances network efficiency, reduces latency, and optimizes resource utilization in wireless networks. The invention is particularly useful in environments with multiple overlapping access points, such as enterprise networks, public Wi-Fi hotspots, or smart home systems.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The program according to claim 11, wherein a prolonged scanning period is an integer multiple of the scanning period, and is not greater than a preset maximum scanning interval.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for optimizing scanning periods in a program involves adjusting the duration of scanning intervals based on predefined parameters. The invention addresses the challenge of balancing computational efficiency with thorough system monitoring by dynamically extending or reducing scanning periods to ensure comprehensive data collection without excessive resource consumption. The program includes a scanning module that performs periodic scans of a target system or data set, where the scanning period is initially set to a default interval. The system further includes a scanning period adjustment module that modifies the scanning period based on detected conditions, such as system load or data volatility. The adjustment module can extend the scanning period to a prolonged scanning period, which is defined as an integer multiple of the original scanning period but does not exceed a preset maximum scanning interval. This ensures that the scanning frequency remains within acceptable limits while adapting to varying operational demands. The invention also includes a monitoring module that tracks system performance metrics to determine when adjustments to the scanning period are necessary, ensuring optimal resource utilization and accurate data collection. The prolonged scanning period is calculated to maintain system stability and prevent overloading while still capturing critical data changes.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The program according to claim 8, wherein the channel quality information comprises at least one of a received signal to noise indicator (RSNI), a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), a beacon received signal strength indicator (Beacon RSSI), a beacon signal to noise ratio (Beacon SNR), a data frame received signal strength indicator (Data Frame RSSI), or a data frame signal to noise ratio (Data Frame SNR).

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for improving channel quality assessment in wireless networks. The problem addressed is the need for accurate and reliable channel quality information to optimize communication performance in environments with varying signal conditions. Traditional approaches often rely on limited metrics, leading to suboptimal decisions in dynamic wireless environments. The invention describes a program for evaluating channel quality in a wireless network by analyzing multiple signal quality indicators. These indicators include a received signal to noise indicator (RSNI), received signal strength indicator (RSSI), beacon RSSI, beacon signal to noise ratio (SNR), data frame RSSI, and data frame SNR. By incorporating these diverse metrics, the program provides a comprehensive assessment of channel conditions, enabling better decisions for data transmission, network selection, and interference management. The use of multiple indicators allows for more robust performance in scenarios with fluctuating signal strengths or noise levels, improving overall network reliability and efficiency. The program can be implemented in wireless devices or network infrastructure to enhance communication quality and user experience.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The program according to claim 8, wherein ts=j×tb, wherein j is a positive integer, and tb is a beacon period.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for wireless communication involves managing transmission timing in a network where devices communicate using periodic beacon signals. The problem addressed is ensuring synchronized and efficient communication between devices while minimizing interference and power consumption. The invention defines a transmission slot (ts) as a multiple (j) of a beacon period (tb), where j is a positive integer. This relationship ensures that transmissions occur at regular intervals aligned with the beacon period, improving coordination between devices. The beacon period (tb) is the time interval between consecutive beacon signals, which are used for synchronization and network management. By setting the transmission slot as an integer multiple of the beacon period, the system ensures that transmissions are synchronized with the beacon schedule, reducing collisions and improving energy efficiency. The method can be applied in various wireless communication protocols, including those used in sensor networks, IoT devices, and other low-power wireless systems. The invention enhances reliability and efficiency in wireless communication by aligning transmission timing with the periodic beacon structure.

Classification Codes (CPC)

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Patent Metadata

Filing Date

October 22, 2020

Publication Date

December 20, 2022

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